The Environmental Science program at Saint Louis University

Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science

Overview: The Environmental Science program focuses on developing a scientific understanding of Earth's natural systems and their interconnections with human society. The program represents a collaborative effort between several departments resulting in a degree program that bridges traditional academic boundaries. It is hosted by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, which provides student advising and mentoring for the program.

Curriculum: The Environmental Science curriculum is built upon a 'breadth-depth' model that combines a comprehensive background in the natural sciences with specialized training in a chosen area of interest. All students entering the Environmental Science program are required to complete a core set of preparatory and skill-development courses that provide a rigorous introduction to the environmental sciences. Students then choose a specialized 'track' that provides more advanced instruction in a specific discipline germane to environmental science. The track requirements are individually defined by the collaborative departments, and are roughly equivalent to completing a minor in the specific area of interest. Although many students in the program will take the majority of their upper-division classes in other departments, all students within the program have full access to departmental resources, including excellent computer and research laboratories, field- and laboratory based research opportunities with department faculty, departmental field trips, and a strengthening relationship with local internship opportunities. Opportunities for research and field experiences in Biology and Chemistry are also available to qualified students.

Careers in the Field: Demand for graduates with a comprehensive knowledge of natural systems and their interactions is strong and projected to increase in the face of greater public awareness of the influence of humans on the natural environment. With judicious planning, the program serves as excellent preparation for graduate degrees in medicine, the sciences, law, and other disciplines where a strong background in environmental science is desirable.

About the Faculty: The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences has a proud tradition of combining strong classroom and field-based instruction with an internationally recognized research faculty. Although growing, the Department is small enough to provide a warm, collegial atmosphere that promotes extensive interaction between students and faculty. The Department frequently hosts visiting scientists from around the globe, and sponsors technical and general environmental science seminars that provide opportunities for students to interact with specialists from a wide variety of career options.

Internship Opportunities: Undergraduate students in the Environmental Science program have the option to pursue internship opportunities through the host department or in collaboration with other departments on campus. Students also have the option to participate in a 'capstone project' designed to provide a 'real-world' perspective as part of their undergraduate training. In addition, students may choose to participate in faculty research projects, many of which include funding specifically to support the participation of undergraduate students.